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-      PIONEER MOTHERS-1854 TO 1860
                       Superior
               Author-John A. Barden
    It is difficult to single out any particular pioneer
mother, or group of mothers, that came to Superior as
early as, from 1854 to 1860.
    After these dates, conditions were fairly comfortable,
depending on the adaptability, keeness and industry of
the individual. These mothers all left comfortable homes
and surroundings to face the discomforts of real pioneer-
ing, coming from Maine, Vermont, New York, Ohio,
Illinois and other eastern states, but largely from Ken-
tucky. The majority of the original promoters and pro-
prietors of Superior were Kentuckians who early recog-
nized the possibilities of a city at the head of lake naviga-
tion.
     Too much cannot be said of these early Pioneer
Mothers. It meant the utmost self sacrifice, from any
view point. Many of them, however, reared large and
sturdy families-a credit to any community.
     Superior's climate was healthy, churches and schools
were established immediately, and self reliance and in-
dustry was developed automatically. The very first
Pioneer Mother and a martyr to pioneering, was Mrs.
Ed. Rogers from Michigan, who gave her life in the birth
of a daughter, in April, 1854. Her body and that of the
babe who later died, is buried on Wisconsin Point,
Superior.
     Mrs. James M. Bennett, a native of Ohio and the
 wife of a prominent storekeeper, was Superior's earliest
 "Fairy Godmother." She was prompt in extending aid
 to, and visiting the poor and sick. Her noble deeds
 have been spoken of by every early settler.
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